For Arthur “Skipper” Tolbert Carrillo, his life was deeply intertwined with baseball. Spanning over four decades, he volunteered at Laguna Beach High School, leaving an indelible mark. His love for the sport was evident in every aspect of his life.

The Man Who Made Baseball His Universe

Baseball as His Lifeline

Arthur “Skipper” Carrillo found solace and connection through baseball. Born prematurely and with a lifelong need for care, he used the sport's lingo to communicate with those around him. His niece Melissa Carrillo Soll shared that he would tell everyone he was born in “baseball season instead of football season.” This unique perspective showed how baseball became his way of relating to the world.Even in his later years, Carrillo's love for baseball remained strong. He was the third-base umpire, scorekeeper, and batboy at Laguna Beach High School. His presence on the field was a source of inspiration for the players. Cody Naess, who played baseball and basketball at the school in the mid-1980s, remembered Carrillo running out to right field to hang up runs scored and then sprinting back to the dugout. Everyone loved him, and he brought a sense of unity to the team.

Beyond Baseball: A Community Icon

Carrillo wasn't just a baseball enthusiast; he became a Laguna Beach icon. Dressed in his baseball uniform, he could be found around town daily, spreading joy and positivity. His sister Alicia Rowe recalled that he had at least three closets full of different uniforms from across the country, with his favorite being a Don Drysdale Los Angeles Dodgers uniform.He was involved with various community activities. The Laguna Beach Little League held a special place in his heart, and he was honored as grand marshal in the town's Patriots Day Parade and named Person of the Year. His association with the St. Catherine of Siena Parish showed his active participation in the community.

Using Baseball Language to Connect

Due to his disability, Carrillo found it difficult to relate to the world directly. But his father discovered that he could think and speak in baseball metaphors. For example, “loading the bases” meant eating a good meal, and “Willy Mays” meant money. This unique way of communicating allowed him to connect with others on a deeper level.Carrillo was a walking encyclopedia of baseball. You could ask him about any World Series, and he could provide detailed answers about the winners, scores, and last plays. As he got older, he would use phrases like “my batting helmet was loose” when he forgot something.

Supporting Other Sports

While baseball was his favorite, Carrillo was also there to support other sports. When Cody Naess played basketball, Carrillo would sit on the bench with the players, offering water and standing with them during time-outs. He even traveled on the bus to away games, showing his support for the entire school community.Naess was nicknamed after Chris Mullin, and he remembered how special it was to have Carrillo's support. It was a reminder that Carrillo's influence extended beyond baseball and touched the lives of everyone in the school.During Tuesday's event, Gary Arthur, who has a band called Love Tribe, will play a song he dedicated to Carrillo years ago. The song became popular not only in Laguna Beach but in venues across Orange County. It captured the essence of Carrillo's positive spirit and his love for the place.“He was my ace in the hole,” Arthur said. “The crowd would just go off.” His friend Skipper truly knew what he had, and his positive vibrations touched the lives of everyone around him.